Chapter 109
At those words, Eshar showed a slightly surprised expression.
It was the face of someone who had not expected such a choice.
After a brief silence, she asked calmly.
“Is that something you’ve agreed upon with Euphen as well?”
Since Lynette could not answer, she let out a short laugh, as if she had expected it.
“Do you think you can leave that easily?”
“His Highness the Imperial Prince will not stop me.”
Hadn’t it been the same even before the regression? He only gave a bitter smile and did not hold onto her. This time would not be any different. Even if it seemed like he had changed, Euphen was still Euphen.
Eshar only looked at her quietly.
In response, Lynette tightly clasped her hands placed on her lap.
“When you say you will leave, is it for Sillian’s sake?”
“…It is for His Highness the Imperial Prince.”
She knew all too well that being together only brought suffering to both of them.
She also knew there was no way to stop it.
At those words, the woman gave a small hum and nodded slightly.
“Is that story really true?”
“What story?”
“That it is painful every time you touch.”
Lynette slowly nodded her head.
Had she heard everything from Euphen?
‘He must have told her.’
Either way, Eshar was Euphen’s true Guide.
She had the right to know the situation.
Then she must also know that the more Lynette made contact, the more her own life was shortened.
She would surely understand why Lynette had resolved to leave.
“You said you would leave once I awakened.”
“Yes.”
“When that time comes, I will help you.”
The woman spoke with a faint smile.
“I don’t know when that day will come, but I believe you will keep your promise.”
“…It is something I decided after thinking for a long time.”
“Even if it is Euphen, if you hide with my help, he will not be able to pursue you easily.”
At those words, her heart ached faintly.
What had happened in the past would not happen again. Even if she were to die, Euphen would never reach out to hold her hand again.
‘No. I won’t even die alone.’
Because Sillian would be by her side.
Would her thoughts change when that time came? She thought she might be overwhelmed with guilt for the man she left behind. If things continued this way, her time alone with Sillian would only grow longer.
If she had kept touching him as carelessly as before, she would have died quickly. But after Euphen had learned the whole truth, their contact had lessened. She rarely went to see Shirin anymore, and that extended her lifespan.
But that did not make her happy.
The longer her remaining time was, the longer she would be left longing for the Imperial Prince.
‘They say that if it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind.’
When that time came, would the one to fill her heart not be Euphen, but Sillian?
Just realizing she had imagined such a thing, Lynette straightened her back in surprise.
Eshar, who had been watching her face quietly, continued.
“It seems you are already more than prepared to leave, so I will not say any more.”
Lynette lowered her gaze.
“But before that, if Sillian in any way becomes a hindrance…”
She did not say exactly what she would do, but the nuance was clear enough.
Lynette nodded.
Deep down, she wanted to say that Sillian would never stand in Euphen’s way. That he was a prince from a faraway place, and that all he thought of was leaving this place. But even if she said it, Eshar wouldn’t believe her words.
“I suppose I’ve stayed too long with someone who is unwell.”
Eshar rose from her seat.
“Be sure to apply the medicine. Rest well.”
After she left, Lynette let out a long sigh.
It was the first time she had revealed her plan to leave to someone else.
Of course, Eshar would not tell Euphen.
‘If I cause unnecessary trouble and end up staying, then Sillian will be forced to stay as well…’
Besides, Eshar surely knew better than anyone how little use ‘Lynette’ truly was. As the Imperial Prince’s lover, if she remained here, it would certainly create difficulties for his political marriage. No matter how much of a political arrangement it was, no partner would be glad to know that a mistress lingered openly in the palace.
“Haah…”
Lynette let out another sigh.
Why was she only ever a burden to Euphen?
As she smiled bitterly, Lara and Mari came in to clear away the tea.
Seeing the pile of gifts, the two grew even more delighted, their eyes shining as they urged her to open them quickly.
As she opened them one by one, all sorts of things came pouring out.
Exotic ornaments she had never seen before, hairpins and ribbons, light dresses for comfortable wear, slippers for the bedchamber.
They were not overly extravagant, but every one of them was luxurious, as if in consideration of her situation.
‘I will have to send a thank-you letter.’
It seemed best to ask Euphen to send back a return gift.
After sharing some of the pretty ribbons with Mari and Lara, Lynette realized it was nearly time to meet Sillian. Once again resolving that today she would surely ask him about what she had seen in the book.
Lynette went down to the lobby.
There, a man in the now-familiar guard uniform was waiting.
Discussion
0 CommentsNo comments yet.